Review: Suede at The Royal Albert Hall for Teenage Cancer Trust

A DECADE ago Suede, in the words of their bassist Mat Osman, were less popular than Status Quo.

It was post 2002, their fifth studio album A New Morning had been panned by fans and critics alike, they were tired, bored and bereft of ideas, so the 90s rockers called it a day.

Drifting into obscurity wasn't meant to happen for one of the most culturally-important British bands of the past 25-years.

Then came a random call from The Who's Roger Daltrey, patron of Teenage Cancer Trust, who said: "How about a one-off appearance, guys?"

It was only ever meant to be just that. But four years ago we realised what all the fuss was about.

A second coming, a re-birth, call it what you want but when Suede headlined the legendary week-long festival in 2010 something clicked.

In fact it was so good a sixth album, Bloodsports, was followed by a sell-out European Tour.

So while Quo played a functional set of their greatest hits at the Hammersmith Apollo, five miles down the road Suede brought the curtain down on this year's Teenage Cancer Trust gigs at the Royal Albert Hall.

Last night it was time for a little sentiment as the band played their seminal second album Dog Man Star in its entirety.

For many, it's still the Holy Grail. And it just so happens to have frontman Brett Anderson's favourite song, too.

The album - played in order - finished with a stunning version of Still Life, which Anderson, 46, dedicated to his late father, who used to take him to the venue as a boy.

While Dog Man Star was a rare treat, Suede's encore brought the house down.

It was a trip down memory lane, a journey through the band's singular history calling on treasured B-sides, which culminated in a full-length version of Stay Together - a single first released on Valentine's Day 1994 and subsequently disowned by the band.

And, as if to demonstrate past demons had been exorcised, they employed a string section and session trumpeters too.

It was a tour de force that even saw the suits in the seats up on their feet.

And what a way to finish the week.

Osman said: "Teenage Cancer Trust gigs are great because they're very straightforward - that's the thing we like about everything we have done with them.

"They are really good at spending the money raised because they don't faff around.

"When the call came in it was like, 'would you like to play a gig - and can we have all the money?' There's never any complications with them."

This was the 14th year Teenage Cancer Trust has staged major-league concerts at the iconic venue which have raised £17million since 2000.

Suede's reformation for the charity in 2010 was singled out by Anderson as a highlight from 25-years playing live.

He said: "It's great being involved with Teenage Cancer Trust again. It's amazing what they do. It’s a fantastic charity and we have a proud history of involvement with them. The gig we did in 2010 was possibly my favourite ever show in 25 years of playing live.

"The Royal Albert Hall has always been a special place. I used to go there with my dad who was a huge classical music fan.

"I understand why fans like Dog Man Star - I think it's a complete record, a journey you can get lost in.

"Is it my favourite Suede record? I don't know - I think the two either side of it are pretty good (Suede and Coming Up). But it just happens to have my favourite Suede song on it - The Wild Ones.

"It's a special song. I love the melody and I like the sentiment. It's bittersweet and just the right side of easy listening. Most of all, it speaks to people."

Teenage Cancer Trust is the only British charity dedicated to improving the quality of life and survival chances of those aged between 13 and 24.

The charity funds and builds specialist cancer units in NHS hospitals and provides staff, bringing young people together so they can be treated by experts in the best surroundings. There are now 27 across the UK - but five more are needed.